buying a 4th gen. THIS OR THAT

[mace4runner]

Looking to pull the trigger this week on a 4th gen. Which would you choose:

#1. 2003 SPORT. v6. 140K - Black, everything stock - remote start. 1 owner, private sale. $8,000


#2. 2006 SR5 - v6. 155K Dark Charcoal - 100% stock. 1 owner trade in to a dealer. $10,900 (would try to score this for 10K - but 10,900 is the list price)


Both have clean carfax, both 1 owner, both stock and in great shape from what I can tell.


Whats a smarter buy? The 2003 and have $2,500 left for "mods" -- or the 2006 with the "redesign" ?

My budget is right at 11K -- TOPS so either one of these is feasible.


(both are stock - so no need for pics)

 

[Joseph_Conrad]

I would drive them both and go from there. When I bought mine I drove about 5 and they all felt a little different. The brake pedal felt the best in the one I bought and everything else felt tighter overall. Service records on either of those? Rust, tires, brakes, etc how's it all look? The miles are so similar that they shouldn't sway you either way.

 

[mace4runner]

yea.. if the prices were similar - it would be easier.

i just feel like the 2003 is 2.5K cheaper - so if anything went wrong, i would have the $$ to fix it easier.

and also could do some stuff right away -- mods.


I do like the idea of an 06+ though - for numerous reasons.


I have driven the 03.

I am going to drive the 06 in 2 hours. - today at lunch.

I guess yea.. if the 06 drives that much better... it will be an easier decision.


But the 03 drove well... about the same as some other 04's i checked out.


service records, rust, condition seem to be similar to me at first glance.

Nothing glaring separating them-

 

[Martinjmpr]

2006...

Since you're talking about V6's I think you'd want the 2006. The 2003 will still have the A340 4 speed transmission. Also I think the 2003 4.0 is a non-VVTI. With the '06 you get the 5 speed and the VVTI motor.

Final point: 2003 was the first year of the 4th gen. I have a general rule that you never buy the first year of a new model.

Now if it was me and it was Imperial Jade Mica (Dark green) I might be tempted (2003 was the only year that color was offered, sadly ) but honestly, I'd say get the 2006 despite the higher miles and higher price. It has the 2006 facelift, LED lights., better trans, etc. It's worth it IMO.

 

[S p a r k y]

Drive them of course, I would think #2

 

[rich045]

the 06 has a 5 speed tranny, updated body pannels and instrument cluster. i would go for a 06 any day.

 

[mace4runner]

the 06 has a 5 speed tranny, updated body pannels and instrument cluster. i would go for a 06 any day.

I am looking at pictures of the instrument clusters....

what changed?

http://images.thecarconnection.com/...o-4wd-natl-instrument-cluster_100288586_m.jpg

vs.

http://f.tqn.com/y/suvs/1/S/t/V/-/-/InstrumentPanel.jpg

 

[rich045]

signals, reset buttons.

 

[mace4runner]

signals, reset buttons.

yea - I noticed the signals -

doesnt look like a huge change though --

I like the 06+ for the newer headlights and LED tails.... for sure.

 

[fdbyrne]

They would probably both make great trucks but be sure to leave yourself an extra $1000 or so to fix things once you get whichever one you go with. It's very likely that whichever one you buy will have something wrong that you didn't notice prior to buying it. There always is when buying a 10 year old truck, in my experience.

 

[mace4runner]

They would probably both make great trucks but be sure to leave yourself an extra $1000 or so to fix things once you get whichever one you go with. It's very likely that whichever one you buy will have something wrong that you didn't notice prior to buying it. There always is when buying a 10 year old truck, in my experience.

yea - i agree with this.

 

[smeagol]

the 06 has a 5 speed tranny, updated body pannels and instrument cluster. i would go for a 06 any day.

What this guy said. The transmission is the biggest standout to me.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Older truck with less miles for cheaper, plus remote start? Do et

 

[mace4runner]

UPDATE:

Finally got to drive the 2006. I wasnt able to drive it the first time.


EH -- wasn't great. Something about it just didnt seem right. Also noticed more rust in the engine bay -- way more compared to the 03.

going to pass on it.


will still consider the '03 - or keep looking!

thanks for the comments.

 

[Junior73]

When I was looking before I bought my 07, I noticed that they redesigned the middle fold seats, the older design folds flat, and the newer design folds, and flips up... If that matters at all to you...

Remote start can be had for $100 dollars, also if you are looking at the v6 and its 4x4 make sure to check the 4x4 shifting, if it dosent get shifted much it will freez up, and cost up to $2k to replace...

 

[black4vcobra]

I can't believe nobody mentioned it yet but check over the XREAS suspension very closely on the 03 Sport. It will be pricey if it goes out. Also, the 03-04 V6's had head gasket issues and the aforementioned 4 speed auto.

I'd say keep looking

 

[mace4runner]

I can't believe nobody mentioned it yet but check over the XREAS suspension very closely on the 03 Sport. It will be pricey if it goes out. Also, the 03-04 V6's had head gasket issues and the aforementioned 4 speed auto.

I'd say keep looking

Yea -- I hear ya. Going to check out a 2005 SR5 tomorrow. 120K.

5 speed trans. --- $9,500.

not a 06+ but could be an option.